Book Description Today's public schools are increasingly
characterized by cultural and linguistic diversity. Studies show that
about 4.4 million students nationwide lack the English skills needed to
succeed academically. To help second language learners keep up in the
classroom, educators must understand the challenges that bilingual
students and schools face.
In
this concise guide, former bilingual teacher Judith Lessow-Hurley dives
right into the language debate swirling in school systems large and
small. She examines the popular myths about educating students in a
multilinquistic society and introduces the key issues:
* The demographics of second language learners
* The theory underlying language instruction
* Desirable qualifications for bilingual teachers
* Effective teaching methods and programs
* Language and politics
* Language and the law
By
confronting common beliefs about English-only and immersion programs,
basic interpersonal communication skills, the influence of culture on
language, and more, Lessow-Hurley reveals how schools can successfully
educate students from diverse backgrounds--without unintended
prejudice. Her passionate and intelligent response in the language
debate views every school as the bridge between cultures, helping all
students develop academically and equally.